As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to create a cozy fall dinner for a romantic date night. Incorporating fresh herbs from your Stack & Sprout vertical garden can elevate your meal, making it not just delicious but also a memorable experience. Here’s a delightful fall dinner idea that will impress your special someone.
Main Course: Herb-Crusted Chicken with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme from Stack & Sprout, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary from Stack & Sprout, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups seasonal vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and butternut squash), chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the chopped seasonal vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast: Place the chicken on the baking sheet with the vegetables. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Plate the chicken alongside the roasted vegetables, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Side Dish: Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives from Stack & Sprout, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, combine the cubed potatoes and garlic cloves. Cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash: Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the pot. Add heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish: Serve the mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives for a fresh burst of flavour.
Dessert: Spiced Apple Crisp with Fresh Mint
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- Fresh mint from Stack & Sprout for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Apples: In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and half of the brown sugar. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve warm, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
This cozy fall dinner is perfect for a romantic date night, showcasing seasonal flavours and the freshness of herbs. From the herb-crusted chicken to the comforting apple crisp, each dish is designed to warm the heart and create a special atmosphere. Enjoy your evening filled with delicious food and wonderful company!
